Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli Recipe
This Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken with Broccoli is a flavorful one-pan pasta dish combining tender chicken seasoned with Cajun spices, sautéed in a rich lemon butter sauce with garlic, fresh herbs, and Parmesan. Bowtie pasta and broccoli finish the dish, making a comforting yet vibrant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, approximately 9-11 minutes. During the last 3 minutes of cooking, add broccoli florets to the boiling water. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and broccoli. Set aside.
- Season and Cook Chicken: In a bowl, toss the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden. Stir in crushed red pepper flakes (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the chopped fresh parsley and chives. Season the sauce with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Toss: Return the cooked pasta, broccoli, and chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to coat evenly. Gradually add the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and create a creamy texture. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
- Serve: Serve the Cowboy Butter Lemon Bowtie Chicken warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan cheese, additional fresh parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best bright flavor in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Make sure not to overcook the broccoli; adding it towards the end of pasta cooking keeps it tender-crisp.
- If needed, substitute gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten free.
- Reserve pasta water carefully, as it helps to create a silky sauce when combined with butter and cheese.
- This dish can be made dairy-free by substituting butter with olive oil and omitting Parmesan cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
Keywords: lemon chicken pasta, Cajun chicken, bowtie pasta recipe, broccoli pasta dinner, one pan chicken pasta, cowboy butter sauce
